Nearly 100 people attended the VIP Reception of the Long Beach Police Foundation on Feb. 7 at the law offices of Keesal, Young & Logan. Cocktails and delicious appetizers were generously hosted by Keesal at the beautiful venue with a spectacular view.

Chair of the Fundraising Campaign and Master of Ceremonies Art Levine introduced inspiring guest speakers, including: Long Beach Police Foundation President Daniel Walker; Long Beach Chief of Police Jim McDonnell; Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert; Keesal, Young & Logan Partner and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Greenberg. The audience was moved tremendously by the compelling stories that were shared.

Kareem Ahmed was honored for his generous gift of $50,000 to the LBPF for its programs. He said he came into this world penniless and hoped to leave the same way, to which McDonnell quipped, "Well, I can help you with that goal!"

Sgt. Tyae Burford, Detective Sondra Benskin and Police Explorer Cmdr. Rodolfo Davila movingly described the value of foundation support to their activities.

The goal of the VIP Reception was to thank past donors, including the more than 100 charter members of the LBPF, and to raise the $75,000 remaining toward the $200,000 goal of the fundraising campaign.

The LBPF seeks to foster visible and direct community support for the Long Beach Police Department by enhancing programs and services in the areas of training, technology and community outreach including youth services.

On Jan. 26 Footlighters dodged raindrops and swirling winds to get to its first "Music in the Morning" 2013 meeting. The sun peeked out just as the last of the 170 attendees were coming through the doors of the elegant Long Beach Yacht Club, always a favorite destination - appreciated for both scenic views and great food.

Chairwoman Debbie Whitaker selected the table decorations of orange Gerbera daisies and yellow miniature Gloriosa, which made a very cheerful arrangement for the rainy day.

As guests enjoyed champagne, Bloody Marys and French 75 cocktails, the social hour was filled with lively conversation as the group renewed acquaintances and met new friends. Two tables of donated gifts for the opportunity drawing were on display. The gifts included a varied array such as antique luncheon plates, designer bags and garden succulent arrangements.

Ann Sines and Phyllis Bowles secured the prizes, displayed them, and coordinated the entire production from start to finish. The proceeds from the drawings are donated to the Actors Fund of Musical Theatre West.

Paul Garman, executive director and producer of MTW, announced that in a gesture of good will, a total of 2,300 tickets being held by subscribers of the now defunct Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities will be donated for the upcoming production of "Oklahoma," which runs through March 3. He also told of the receipt of a $50,000 grant from the Pitts family, a longtime MTW supporter.

This grant will be used to help fund an education and outreach director.

Approximately 15 members of the 32-person cast of "Oklahoma" performed three selections from this iconic musical. The audience sang along with several choruses from the rousing title song. The talented cast was met with vigorous applause.

FYI: Footlighters is a support group for Musical Theatre West. It holds fundraising events throughout the year. For information on membership, contact Cecil Cook at cqc@charter.net.

Kickoff for International City Theatre's 28th season began on Jan. 25 with a wine reception for the opening night of "Around the World in 80 Days." This season of passion got under way with a Passion for Adventure, featuring a journey around the globe with five actors playing 39 roles!

Dinner in the lobby of the theater was created by Chef Rosie of Savor and included a menu from around the world, starting with a Chinese salad served in a Chinese pagoda pail with chopsticks, to English shepherd's pie, Normandy-styled sole meniere and jasmine rice.

The 75 or so board members and friends of ICT were there as part of this special evening. Guests were invited into the theater where ICT Board President Jim Preusch and artistic director/producer caryn desai welcomed the audience and expressed appreciation to honorary producers Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg and presented them with a poster of the show signed by the artists. Following the presentation, everyone enjoyed the opening production that received an enthusiastic standing ovation at curtain call.

News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9668. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information. Please check the website for coverage of additional events: wwwpresstelegram.com/social.